Date   : Tue, 17 Feb 2004 12:07:06 -0000
From   : "Chris Jones" <chris@...>
Subject: Re: Hello, and ARM second processor

Johan wrote:
> ...
> More labels
> ~~~~~~~~~~~
> I think your assumption is right. Part numbers for programmable chips like
> PALs, and the boot ROM. This is a standard format for part number used by
> Acorn. After the '/' could be a release number. Version and issue numbers
> are normally typed as such.
>
> The '37' cann't be read from the picture. Sorry.

It's on a little label of its own, typewritten, at the bottom right of the
picture. Click on the thumbnail for a large view in which it's clearly
visible.

> ...
> Bottom view
> ~~~~~~~~~~~
> I can't see a 37 number here which might confirm the 37 being the s/n.
>
> Most likely the label shows the part number of the PSU, as some
> electrical info is detailed. The partnumber format is standard to
> be recognised as such, as on the chips in picture 'More labels'.

Yes, I think that label is just the part number and serial number of the
PSU, given that it looks like it was put on in Taiwan or wherever the PSU
was made. It certainly doesn't look like the Acorn corporate image!

> What is on the left - but in the most right of three areas - at the two
> numbers 0059 and 8621? I can't read that. Any clue there?

I'll have another look.

> BTW  Didn't Acorn do the assembling themselves? Designing, manufacturing
>       and shipping out to shops was mainly an in-house job? Meaning
>       no' foreign' labels should/could be expected?

I'd be very surprised if Acorn did much of the manufacturing work
themselves, but it's possible for short-run things like this. Wasn't the BBC
Micro assembled by various subcontractors? Race, I think, and someone else.
ISTR their problems were the root of the shortage of Beebs in the early
days.  PCB assembly is very commonly subcontracted out, and most
subcontractors put their own serial numbers on to boards, just to add to the
confusion.

I now have a wonderful image in my head of Chris Curry and Hermann Hauser
soldering computers together :-)

Chris